News

New Westminster, BC, December 17, 2014—BC Safety Authority (BCSA) today announced the implementation of its Elevating Devices Mechanics Certification Program, which establishes consistent certification standards for the industry and reduces safety risks to both workers and the public.

BCSA developed the program in close consultation with the elevating industry and requires that elevating device mechanics complete a specified combination of education, training and continuing professional development.

“Industry-wide standards for training, skills and continuing education will contribute to enhanced safety for both the mechanics who work on elevating devices—including elevators and escalators—and the public who use them,” says Houssam Hamze, BCSA Elevating Devices Safety Manager.

BCSA first initiated the program on July 1, 2013, with an ample transition period to allow existing elevating devices mechanics to provide validation of credentials. Today’s announcement begins the implementation of the new certification program, which includes a 90-day final transition period for the program. As of March 16, 2015, all mechanics performing work on elevating devices in BC will be required to be certified.

“BCSA has worked closely with both industry and government to put the right business practices and regulatory framework in place to support the program,” says Hamze. “We will continue to work with the elevating industry to ensure the long-term success of this certification program.”

As part of the new certification process, mechanics will also be required to maintain and renew their certification every three years. To maintain their certification, mechanics will need to complete 24 hours of continuing education credits over the course of three years prior to renewing their certificate of qualification.

BCSA is mandated to oversee the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment in BC, including elevating devices such as elevators and escalators.

BC Safety Authority is an independent, self-funded organization mandated to oversee the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment. In addition to issuing permits, licences and certificates, it works with industry to reduce safety risks through assessment, education and outreach, enforcement, and research.

BC Safety Authority is increasing the security on how qualified individuals are named on permits. This is in response to feedback and suggestions from contractors and qualified individuals who are concerned about security and preventing fraud.

The permit application will require the following in order to find and select a qualified individual:

The last six digits of the Field Safety Representative’s (FSR) Certification number. If the number is less than six digits, add preceding zeroes. (For example: 001234).

The last name of the Field Safety Representative.

Implementation dates of this security feature are as follows:

October 04, 2014 for online permit applications through MyConnection

November 03, 2014 for in-person permit applications over the counter at BCSA offices and/or by phone through BCSA’s contact centre at 1-866-566-7233

BC Safety Authority is increasing the security on how qualified individuals are named on permits. This is in response to feedback and suggestions from contractors and qualified individuals who are concerned about security and preventing fraud.

The permit application will require the following in order to find and select a qualified individual:

The last six digits of the Gas Fitter’s Certification number. If the number is less than six digits, add preceding zeroes. (For example: 001234).

The last name of the Gas Fitter.

Implementation dates of this security feature are as follows:

October 04, 2014 for online permit applications through MyConnection

November 03, 2014 for in-person permit applications over the counter at BCSA offices and/or by phone through BCSA’s contact centre at 1-866-566-7233

“Following Crown Counsel’s announcement that no charges will be approved in relation to the tragic explosion and fire at the Babine Forest Products sawmill in Burns Lake on January 20, 2012, BCSA is now preparing to release publicly our full incident investigation report. The report will provide additional information into BCSA’s investigation process and findings.

“BCSA will release its full report during the week of January 13, 2014, to coincide with the release of WorkSafeBC’s investigation report. Our full report was not previously released in order to avoid compromising Crown Counsel’s review of WorkSafeBC’s referral.

“BCSA continues to work with industry to implement our Recommendations Report arising from the Babine incident, as well as the three safety orders that have been issued since 2012 to improve safety in the wood processing industry.”

BC Safety Authority is an independent, self-funded organization mandated to oversee the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment. In addition to issuing permits, licenses and certificates, it works with industry to reduce safety risks through assessment, education and outreach, enforcement, and research.

The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, will present the awards to six individuals and organizations in recognition of their exceptional leadership, achievement or innovation in the promotion of technical systems safety.

WHAT: BC Safety Authority’s Lieutenant Governor Safety Awards

WHERE: River Rock Casino Resort, Main Show Theatre,

8811 River Road

Richmond, BC

WHEN: Monday, December 2, 2013

Registration at 10:00 a.m

Awards ceremony from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

WHO:The Honourable Judith Guichon

Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia

Keynote Speaker: Jay Ingram Discovery Channel

Brian Cook, PowerCheck Electrical Safety Services

Excellence in Electrical Safety Award Recipient

Nechako Green Energy Ltd.,

Excellence in Boiler, Pressure Vessel and

Refrigeration Safety Award Recipient

Barry Cavens, Cavens and Associates

Excellence in Gas Safety Award Recipient

Corrie Archer, Otis Elevating Company

Excellence in Elevating Safety Award Recipient

D’Angelo (Danny) Cox, Dan Cox Consulting

Excellence in Passenger Ropeway Safety Award Recipient

Forest Products Manufacturing Advisory Group,

Excellence in Systems Safety Award Recipient

WHY: Honouring excellence in technical safety.

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BC Safety Authority is an independent, self-funded organization mandated to oversee the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment. In addition to issuing permits, licences and certificates, we work with industry to reduce safety risks through assessment, education and outreach, enforcement, and research.

The awards, which will be presented by BC Safety Authority on December 2, 2013, recognize individuals and organizations who demonstrate exceptional leadership, achievement or innovation in the promotion of technical systems safety in BC.

“BC Safety Authority is proud to recognize the outstanding work of these individuals and organizations,” says Catherine Roome, President and CEO of BC Safety Authority. “Their efforts enhance public confidence in safety systems. Whether their passion for safety stems from a catastrophic event, or from years of building on ideas and awakening others to their insights, they are exemplary in their risk awareness. We thank them for sharing BC Safety Authority’s commitment to safe technical systems, everywhere.”

Recipients of the Lieutenant Governor Safety Award are chosen by the Safety Selection Committee, which includes a senior staff member of BC Safety Authority and other respected individuals in the safety system.

2013 AWARD RECIPIENTS

Excellence in Electrical Safety

Brian Cook, PowerCheck Electrical Safety Services

Brian Cook is a licensed electrical contractor and registered electrical field safety representative with over 36 years in the electrical industry. He has published numerous papers on electrical safety and has authored and delivered curriculum on electrical systems at the University of British Columbia. As the founder and president of PowerCheck Electrical Safety Services, Mr. Cook has made significant contributions to electrical safety by working with the home insurance industry to carry out risk assessments of residential electrical systems.

Excellence in Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Safety

Nechako Green Energy

Vanderhoof-based Nechako Green Energy is the first biomass heat recovery plant in the Canadian forest industry, taking steam waste from the company’s mill operations and turning it into electric power. This innovative technology creates opportunities to dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of sawmills, and offers the potential to provide surplus power to new projects in support of economic development in northern communities. Nechako Lumber Company Ltd was one of the first companies to submit a Safety Management Plan under the Alternative Safety Approaches regulation, introduced in April 2011, and is the first company to have its plan accepted by BC Safety Authority They are recipients of BC Hydro’s Powersmart Award and were named Clean Energy BC’s 2012 Project of the Year.

Excellence in Gas Safety

Barry Cavens,Cavens and Associates

Barry Cavens has over 40 years experience as a professional engineer, during which time he has served on numerous provincial and national committees, including CSA and BCSA Technology Advisory Committees. He has contributed his expertise to the development of improved codes and standards in the gas industry in both Canada and the United States. Throughout his career, Mr. Cavens has contributed to the development of emergency response plans for utilities and other organizations and has demonstrated a commitment to gas safety awareness and education initiatives, including the Call Before You Dig program.

Excellence in Elevating Safety

Corrie Archer, Otis Elevator Co.

Corrie Archer is the current chair of the BCSA Elevating Devices Technology Advisory Committee. With almost 40 years of international experience in elevating, he has been actively involved in the development of British Columbia elevating safety codes and standards for the past two decades. Mr. Archer’s commitment to education and training within the elevating industry is evident is his instrumental role in the development and implementation of the Elevating Devices Mechanics Certification Program.

Excellence in Passenger Ropeway Safety

D’Angelo (Danny) Cox, Dan Cox Consulting

Danny Cox is a professional engineer who has worked in the ski lift industry since the 1970s. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in evolving a culture of safety within the industry. As chair of the Z98 Technical Committee, Mr. Cox contributed to the development of significant safety standard changes, and his comprehensive knowledge of ski lift technology and operations has enhanced industry safety in Canada, the United States and Australia. He is currently an independent consultant and contributor to Intrawest’s Global Risk Management efforts.

Excellence in Systems Safety (multi-technology)

Forest Products Manufacturer’s Advisory Group (MAG)

The Forest Product Manufacturer’s Advisory Group (MAG) is an industry group made up of mill operators, representing an estimated 70% of raw wood production in BC. Following two fatal mill explosions in 2012, the group established a task force to better understand and manage risks created by combustible wood dust. MAG has worked collaboratively with regulators, including BCSA, to facilitate compliance with the combustible dust hazard Safety Order and to develop an audit standard. MAG members have demonstrated compliance in their own facilities, and have worked actively to engage non-members in risk reduction efforts. Many MAG members have also initiated plans to extend these safety enhancements and training to their facilities outside BC.

THE AWARDS LUNCHEON

DATE:Monday, December 2, 2013

TIME:10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (registration at 10:00 a.m.)

LOCATION:River Rock Casino Resort, Main Show Theatre, Richmond

Tickets to the event are $75 per person or $375 for a table of six guests. A ticket order form may be downloaded from BC Safety Authority’s website at www.safetyauthority.ca/events

The awards are made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors: BC Construction Association (silver level)

FortisBC (silver level)

Murphy Oil Company Ltd. (silver level)

Nechako Lumber Co. Ltd. (silver level)

Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (bronze level)

The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists – BC Chapter (bronze level)

BC Electrical Association (bronze level)

The FIOSA MIOSA Safety Alliance of BC (bronze level)

Teck (bronze level)

Black Press (media sponsor)

Vancouver Regional Construction Association (ambassador level)

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About BC Safety Authority

BC Safety Authority is an independent, self-funded organization mandated to oversee the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment. In addition to issuing permits, licences and certificates, it works with industry to reduce safety risks through assessment, education and outreach, enforcement, and research.

New Westminster, BC, October 29, 2013—BC Safety Authority (BCSA) today announced that the association for Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) has completed development of its Electrical Work Practitioner (EWP) training program. The Provincial Safety Manager has reviewed the materials submitted by ASTTBC on October 16th, 2013, and has determined that the programs for EL1 and EL2 certification meet all conditions imposed by BCSA. The Provincial Safety Manager has concluded that these training programs will promote enhanced safety for the electrical industry and the public, and allow uniform enforcement and compliance with the Safety Standards Act. Final approval has been granted to ASTTBC to operate its EWP training programs for Class EL1 and EL2 certification.

Final recognition of the ASTTBC program means that ASTTBC will now be able to implement its processes and procedures for registered ASTTBC technologists and technicians to become certified as having completed training that will allow them to be eligible to apply for a BCSA credential to perform a restricted scope of electrical work within specialized fields.

In authorizing this program, the Provincial Safety Manager has stated that individuals who obtain a BCSA credential under a recognized training program will not be granted broad certification as electrical workers, and will not be a replacement for electrical workers who have obtained credentials issued under existing training programs, such as the electrical Red Seal program. ASTTBC-trained workers will only be granted permission to perform tasks involving electrical work being performed under a permit and under the supervision of a Field Safety Representative, and only where the work is within the scope of specialized training for technologists and technicians. Employers will still be required to utilize qualified electrical workers where the work requires the broad scope of training and experience gained by qualified electrical workers.

Under the terms and conditions for approval, ASTTBC will be required to continue consulting with industry stakeholders to identify opportunities for continued program enhancement. ASTTBC will also be required to conduct education programs for employers of technologists and technicians to promote improved understanding on the scope and restrictions for performance of electrical work by technologists and technicians. Requirements for continued education and professional development promote an improved understanding for employers, supervisors, and workers, and allow employers to make informed choices about electrical safety at their facilities.

“The ability to recognize and identify technologists and technicians who are authorized to perform this limited scope of work, enables uniform monitoring and enforcement of regulatory requirements for performance of electrical work under the Safety Standards Act,” said Ulrich Janisch, Provincial Safety Manager – Electrical. “These training programs will promote enhanced safety for the electrical industry and the public.”

ASTTBC members completing the ASTTBC’s EWP training program will be required to apply for and obtain permission from BCSA before they will be authorized to perform electrical work in accordance with Electrical Safety Regulation, Section 4(1)(b). BCSA will recognize proof of completing the ASTTBC training program to qualify for permission. To further address industry’s concerns about safety, BCSA will set terms and conditions on the work that may be performed. Development of BCSA’s application and credentialing processes is under way and is expected to be completed in early 2014. BCSA will make an announcement as to when ASTTBC technologists and technicians will be able to begin applying for the new, limited scope BCSA credential.

BC Safety Authority is an independent, self-funded organization mandated to oversee the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment. In addition to issuing permits, licences and certificates, it works with industry to reduce safety risks through assessment, education and outreach, enforcement, and research.

BCSA has identified numerous instances of mobile homes being sold by Riske Creek and Andy Tower that do not comply with gas or electrical certification standards and may be hazardous for occupants. Riske Creek and Andy Tower are prohibited from using the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) label, which is required to demonstrate compliance with safety codes.

BCSA has issued numerous orders to Riske Creek and Andy Tower to disclose all uncertified units sold, but these orders have not been complied with and are currently the subject of various enforcement proceedings. Riske Creek trailers have been found with unauthorized CSA labels affixed and, in some cases, no CSA labels at all – in either case the required safety certification is not present.

“We are asking the public to immediately contact us if you are aware of any Riske Creek trailer models,” said Wayne Lock, Provincial Gas Safety Manager with BCSA. “Uncertified installation of gas appliances creates risks such as fire or carbon monoxide poisoning which can be fatal.” Risk of fire or electrical shock is also present in the trailers which lack electrical certification.

“Based on the hazards and number of uncertified trailers discovered to date, there is an urgent need for occupants of these trailers to have the gas and electrical equipment assessed for safety by qualified gas and electrical contractors,” said Lock. “Contacting BCSA is the first step in seeking options to determine if your Riske Creek trailer is safe for occupation.

How to report Riske Creek trailers to the BC Safety Authority:

If you have any information regarding the existence of any trailer manufactured or sold by Riske Creek or Andy Tower, please email info@safetyauthority.ca or call BCSA at 1-866-566-7233.

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About BC Safety Authority

BC Safety Authority is an independent, self-funded organization mandated to oversee the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment. In addition to issuing permits, licences and certificates, it works with industry to reduce safety risks through assessment, education and outreach, enforcement, and research.

New Westminster, BC, September 25, 2013—The association for Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) is in the final stages of developing its training program. BCSA anticipates that ASTTBC will make its final submission for approval by the Provincial Safety Manager in the coming weeks. If BCSA recognizes the proposed program, it will pave the way for ASTTBC technologists and technicians in electrical, electronics and biomedical engineering who have successfully completed ASTTBC’s training to receive permission from BCSA to perform a limited-scope of electrical work under a valid permit.

ASTTBC has incorporated industry feedback into its program development to address safety concerns. The revised program increases the minimum requirement for hours of training and practical experience from 480 hours to 1,500 hours, which is in addition to the two years of formal education and 4,000 hours of applied experience required for technologist or technician registration. This change provides improved clarification on the scope of work, and outlines the provision and validation of training. ASTTBC is planning to rollout their program in October 2013.

The Provincial Safety Manager has made clear that ASTTBC members completing the ASTTBC’s training program – if approved – will have to apply for and obtain permission from BCSA before they will be authorized to perform regulated work, within the scope of the proposed credential, and in accordance with Electrical Safety Regulation, Section 4(1)(b). BCSA will recognize proof of completing the ASTTBC training program to qualify for permission. To further address industry’s concerns about safety, BCSA will set terms and conditions on the work that may be performed.

BCSA believes that providing workers with training that promotes safe work and safe work practices enhances safety for the electrical industry and the public. ASTTBC’s proposed training covers those aspects needed for technicians and technologists to safely perform work on or around electrical equipment; these workers will not be trained as electricians and they will not be able to perform the general duties of qualified electrical workers. BCSA’s recognition of this training program will provide additional tools for business owners to have electrical work performed in compliance with the Safety Standards Act.

ASTTBC’s proposed training program will add to the existing training for technologists and technicians and enhance their ability to perform their job duties properly and safely. It will not expand those job duties beyond their current roles; they will still need certification as electricians if they want to perform the more general duties of a qualified electrical worker.

About BC Safety Authority

BC Safety Authority is an independent, self-funded organization mandated to oversee the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment. In addition to issuing permits, licences and certificates, it works with industry to reduce safety risks through assessment, education and outreach, enforcement, and research.

BC Safety Authority (BCSA) has taken 48 enforcement actions against contractors, equipment owners and others doing work or using regulated equipment in BCSA-regulated technologies in the first half of 2013.

As part of an ongoing effort by BC Safety Authority to promote compliance with safety standards and legislation, 38 Compliance Orders were issued between January 1 and June 30, 2013 along with 10 monetary penalties.

A Compliance Order is a written document issued by a safety officer requiring that a person take action, stop, and/or modify their regulated work or use of a regulated product in accordance with safety standards and legislation.

Of the monetary penalties imposed in the first half of 2013, five were for Gas, one was for Electrical, one was for Elevating Devices and one was for Passenger Ropeways. Full details on these and other enforcement actions are published on the Safety Authority’s website at: http://safetyauthority.ca/enforcement/enforcement-actions.

BC Safety Authority is an independent, self-funded organization mandated to oversee the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment. In addition to issuing permits, licences and certificates we work with industry to reduce safety risks through assessment, enforcement, research and education.